benito martinez

Benito Martinez is most recognized for his work on the Emmy and Golden Globe Award winning television series THE SHIELD.  In his role as David Aceveda, he engages television audiences with a formidable portrayal of the former police captain, now city councilman, who has his sights set on being mayor. The just completed fourth season on the show introduced a new captain to the Barn (played by Glenn Close) and the result is an on screen explosion of the changing of the guard. Martinez’s daring and controversial two-season character arch has been considered: “…one of the most gripping performances of the season” (San Francisco Examiner). For his work on THE SHIELD, Benito garnered national attention and a Golden Eagle Award from Ricardo Montalban’s NOSOTROS foundation.

In 2006, expect to see Benito in two new films: END GAME starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and KILL YOUR DARLINGS, a comedy starring John Laroquette. Most recently, Benito appeared in two big screen ventures: MILLION DOLLAR BABY, -- OSCAR winner of best picture of the year -- helmed by Clint Eastwood and starring best actress winner Hilary Swank and SAW, starring Danny Glover and Cary Elwes. Among Benito’s other film credits are OUTBREAK with Dustin Hoffman, NEW SUIT, a satire directed by Francious Valle and MY FAMILY/MI FAMILIA, directed by Gregory Nava.

Benito has worked with many theater companies and performed throughout the U.S. including at New York’s Joseph Papp’s Public Theater, the Arizona Theater Company, Seattle’s A Contemporary Theater, Costa Mesa’s South Coast Repertory, Los Angeles’ A.S.K./Shirball Theater Projects and the Los Angeles’ World Shakespeare Theater Festival. He was also a core member of ETC, the Educational Theater Company and Will & Company for which he performed on stage, directed and wrote several productions. Benito’s notable TV guest appearances include NYPD Blue, ONCE AND AGAIN, AMERICAN FAMILY, X-FILES and as a recurring character on the animated MUCHA LUCHA as El Superstar, the greatest wrestler in the world!

A veteran of the W&C touring shows, Benito also taught workshops in fencing and stage combat as well as directing "The Tempest". Most recent mainstage performances include Bottom in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", MacDuff in "Macbeth", and as the lead role in "Hamlet". Benito is the director of the national tour of "Not Without Right" and serves on the Board of Directors.